Lack of Jurors Forces Trial Postponement

Only fifteen individuals appeared for jury duty in rape case in Chalmette, despite the fact that one-hundred jury notices were issued, reports The Times-Picayune. Greg Laffavillere, who was to be tried on charges of aggravated rape of a child younger than 12, had his trial postponed until March 10, 2003.

District Judge Robert Buckley, who was to preside over the trial, said he will discuss with the other judges in the 34th Judicial District whether people receiving a jury notice by mail should be required to send back an acknowledgment.

Comments or suggestions for solving this serious problem would be appreciated.

Posted by AJR at February 13, 2003 10:25 AM